WHAT IS THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE?
CAN THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE HELP ME?
| WHAT IS THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE? |
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The potential of the human body for
strength, poise and fluent movement is very great but this potential is
compromised by the stresses and strains of modern life. As we grow up we
gradually become habituated to states of mind that produce slouching,
holding our breath, not using our legs when we bend, holding a pen or using
a computer with excessive tensions and do not realize that we have the
capacity to do all these things more freely. Nowadays more people are off
work due to back pain than any other complaint. RSI is becoming more common
and an increasing number of people suffer from stress-related
illnesses. Many therapies and relaxation techniques are available to undo
the damage and people work out in the gym to keep fit but unless we
become aware of how we misuse ourselves in daily life nothing changes and
problems recur. The aim of the Alexander Technique is to learn how to let go of our habits and tensions so that we can think and move more freely, conserve our energy and manage the stresses and strains of life. Most people who have practiced the technique for a while look a lot younger than they are! Further information can be found at the following sites |
HISTORY OF THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE
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The Alexander
Technique was first developed in the 1890s by an Australian, Frederick
Matthias Alexander. A young and promising actor, he faced a problem which
risked ending his career – he became increasingly hoarse during performances
and sometimes lost his voice entirely. The medical profession could find no
reason for this so Alexander reasoned that he might be doing something while
reciting that caused him to strain his larynx. He experimented for several
years using mirrors to observe himself while reciting and realized that the
good functioning of his voice depended on the correct balance of tension in
his entire neuromuscular system from head to toe. This balance was important
for overall coordination and many other functions such as breathing,
posture, free movement, staying calm under pressure and overall health. He successfully treated patients referred to him by a number of doctors in Australia and in 1904 moved to London. Here his reputation grew rapidly and his work was recognized by the medical profession and the world of theatre, including George Bernard Shaw. He also gave lessons to John Dewey and influenced his work in education. He founded the ‘Little School’ in London where children were taught to be aware of how they approached their daily tasks and lessons. Alexander started a training school to pass on his knowledge and there are now over 2500 teachers throughout the world. The Technique is founded on principles and skills which can be applied by anyone. |
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